HANDBOOK CONTINUES GLOBAL SPREAD

The Handbook for the Design of Modular Structures’ inauguration in the UK took place on 5 March. The event, hosted by The Centre for Systems Engineering and Innovation (CSEI) at Imperial College London, was described as the UK industry’s first opportunity to learn about the Handbook.

Meanwhile the Dubai arm of The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) also launched the Handbook at an event on 7 March.

Coverage of the UK event on the Imperial College website, by Timothy Gordon of the institution’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, described the development of the Handbook as “pivotal to the advancement of the modular construction industry.”

“The Handbook for the Design of Modular Structures is the first of its kind in the world. It has been developed with contributions from a number of industry partners and Monash University and the Victorian Government, Australia. Although the Handbook was developed in Australia, it should be noted that it is intended to be applicable to any jurisdiction because it is derived using world’s best practice, including Eurocodes and US standards.”

“The Handbook for the Design of Modular Structures is the first of its kind in the world. It has been developed with contributions from a number of industry partners and Monash University and the Victorian Government, Australia. Although the Handbook was developed in Australia, it should be noted that it is intended to be applicable to any jurisdiction because it is derived using world’s best practice, including Eurocodes and US standards.”

Timothy Gordon – Imperial College, London.

“The Handbook consolidates leading-edge knowledge of design and engineering advances, whilst integrating and enhancing the application of engineering principles to modular manufacturing and construction.”

World first: The Handbook’s international uptake is growing.

Coverage also outlined the Handbook’s remit as an enabler of improved safety, productivity and quality in industrial practices and integrated solutions that advance Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA); the advantages of Modular Construction and regulatory compliance.

“The Handbook is a project by the Modular Construction Codes Board (MCCB) to provide guidance to the industry on the design and construction of modular structures.

MCCB was founded by Prof. James Murray-Parkes and Prof. Yu Bai from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia with support from a number of industry partners and Victorian State Government. It was formed with the aim to provide a code of best practice and integrated solutions for modular construction to industry, government and the community.” Following the Handbook’s Australian launch last September at the prefabAUS Conference, it was scheduled for release into numerous markets including North America, Britain + Europe, Singapore + Hong Kong and China. ■

James Murray-Parkes is the co-founder of the Modular Construction Codes Board (MCCB) based at Monash University. Professor of Practice in the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University and head of the Brookfield Multiplex Engineering Innovations Group.